What Happened
Branford is launching the largest all-electric school bus fleet in New England, deploying 46 zero-emission buses for the 2026-27 school year. The $60 million, 10-year initiative with Zum Services marks Connecticut's first fully electric school transportation system.
Announced in February 2026 at a public event attended by state and district leaders, including Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, the project is funded by federal and state grants, with over $6 million in public funding. Dr. Christopher Tranberg, Superintendent of Branford Schools, confirmed the transition, citing environmental and student health benefits.
What We Know So Far
- Branford will operate 46 fully electric school buses starting in the 2026-27 school year, the largest such fleet in New England.
- The 10-year contract with Zum Services is valued at $60 million and funded through federal and state grants, including more than $6 million in public funds.
- The buses feature vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing the fleet to return power to the grid from the new Branford bus yard.
- Real-time tracking will be available for parents, improving transparency and safety.
- Zum representative Sarah Skinner stated Branford is their first fully electric fleet deployment in the Northeast.
- The initiative supports Connecticut's 2022 goal to electrify all school buses by 2040.